Australian shares were likely to fall at the open on Friday, with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and no immediate sign of a ceasefire likely to weigh on sentiment, while softer metal prices were expected to pressure local miners.
The local share price index futures (YAPcm1) fell 0.3%, a discount of 27.7 points to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index 
XJO closing level. The benchmark ended 0.1% lower on Thursday.
Markets in New Zealand were closed for a public holiday.